Besties and the Books Podcast

Send us a text"In this episode of Besties in the Books, hosts Liz and Ashley dive into Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole, the first book in the Kindred Curse Saga. As a fresh romantasy read from a New York Times bestselling debut author, this novel blends strong female leads, a compelling magic system, and light feminist themes that set it apart in the fantasy genre. The hosts share a spoiler-free review, their personal star and spice ratings, and discuss Penn Cole's thoughtful character development, world building, and tropes like hidden identity and slow burn romance. They also highlight their exclusive spoiler-free interview with Penn Cole—linked below—along with community reactions on their Fable book club and good reads. Perfect for romantasy lovers and fantasy newcomers alike, this deep-dive episode offers layered insight, trope breakdowns, and fun personal updates, all while celebrating one of the genre's most talked-about series."We're finally here to do our deep dive series on Penn Cole's amazing debut Spark of the Everflame! Book 1 in the Kindred's Curse Saga is a fantastic start to an epic slow burn Romantasy series, but is also an examination of the effects of colonialism, classism, racism, and sexism (among other examples of inequality) on a fictional world, and we're here to talk about it!We had the pleasure of interviewing Penn Cole about her thoughts on these topics, on strong female characters and the men that support them, and why these stories about unlikely heroines fighting for justice resonate so much with us. So make sure to check that episode out and then dive right into our talk about book one. We have spoiler free reviews, our spice rating, our five sentence summary of the entire plot, and then all of our likes and dislikes. What tropes did we enjoy? Plot points? Does this book deserve all the hype? And most importantly… what are the feminist themes? And are we excited to keep going? Stick around to find out, to hear all about our faves and fails TV / ½ Marathon edition, and a smash or pass with America's favorite sweetheart and a hell demon. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Penn Cole talks with us about Strong Female Characters, Feminist Themes, and her debut bestselling Spark of the Everflame Series! https://youtu.be/7ukNImyoObw?si=7C3Y9kOUMN4hfcKbWe interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-I____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: Red Starborn Fae Hoodie from @LionheartThreads | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/27ucw/  | Use Code: LIZ15 to save! Liz is Wearing: RYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday's episode is officially our second non fiction / memoir that we're reviewing on the podcast and a follow up to our “books that made us” series covering our college years. Ashley and Liz both presented five of the books that helped shape our personalities as early 20-something's in the world, put all the titles into our trusted BATB beanie™, and then chose one to reread. The result: us covering Wild, the super popular story of Cheryl Strayed solo hiking 1200 miles of California's Pacific Crest Trail with no prior backpacking experience as her way of processing her mother's sudden death. This was Ashley's first time on this journey, and Liz's second. Follow along as we rate and review the story, writing quality and style, explore the author's background and purpose in writing a memoir, delve into whether we think their story warranted an entire book dedicated to their journey, if it met our expectations, and if we connected with any of the themes on a personal level. We discuss high and low reviews, its popularity, the audiobook and movie adaptations, and if we think it deserves the hype. And we also make sure to bring a fave and fail outdoor edition, and a smash or pass PCT / Lincoln commercial edition. Watch the Books That Made Us Playlist! | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t6T0pPbgkc&list=PLHf5v0KOoZMlj_YBqZCxmyIZi8Idv0mkI&pp=gAQBWatch the Farenheit 182 Mark Hoppus of blink 182 Memoir | https://youtu.be/NXoRDLDg_iA?si=nDCV8-Pb9lvEowgX Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Read Books Stay Weird” Tee by @Shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is Wearing: ”Fire Breathing Bit*h Tee” by @chaptercatchers  | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1714014123/aelin-galathynius-baby-tee-throne-of?ga_search_query=Fire%2Bbreathing&ref=shop_items_search_1&logging_key=c1da6191cd33d48291f4deedd9718af946825003%3A1714014123Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textIn this episode we're chatting with none other than THE Penn Cole! Bestselling fantasy romance author of her debut series The Kindred's Curse Saga, also known as Spark, Glow, and Heat of the Everflame, with Burn of the Everflame on the way! Today's episode will be completely spoiler free aside from a potential 5 minute spoiler section at the end we'll warn you about, so even if you haven't read these books yet, or you haven't made it all the way through the series, you can stick around to chit chat with us, find out what you'll be getting into when you pick this series up, and get to know the author behind the story.Penn is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who has been writing her whole life but took a career detour as an attorney and small business owner. She's thrilled to finally be accomplishing her lifelong dream of becoming an author, and when she's not writing she's meeting and supporting others (especially women and BIPOC/LGBTQ+ authors) and reading fantasy, romcoms, and humorous non-fiction. We had the pleasure of meeting Penn at Romantasy Book Con this last February and also got to listen to her speak on several author panels! We were SO inspired by her ideas and input surrounding strong female characters and stories that center women's experiences that we immediately reached out for this interview. If you're curious to find out Penn Cole's take on what romantasy is doing for the book world, if it should be considered fantasy at all, why books that center female experiences and pleasure are often times minimized or infantilized, and why we relate so much to strong, badass heroines… stick around. We also discuss her writing process, inspiration, and what's coming next. This conversation gets deep, and we're so happy to share it with you! And don't worry… we have Penn's fave and fail all about Kindred's Curse and an on the spot smash or pass. Check out Penn Cole | https://www.penncole.com/ and on IG & TikTok @authorpenncoleDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMNeed more ACOTAR in your life? Cook your way through Velaris with the help of Chelsea Cole and her cookbook A Feast of Thorns & Roses. Check out our author interview here! https://youtu.be/fjzmqd-x3OA?si=kNJ4D9cxvUjhp-Ik____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: Ashley is wearing “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is wearing a Black Shadow Daddy Tee Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWell… Ashley and Liz put a hold on their neverending TBR pile and rearranged the entire podcast schedule to yap with y'all about this book. Silver Elite by “New York Times bestselling author” Dani Francis (

Send us a text"Ashley and Liz interview Chelsea Cole, food blogger and author of A Feast of Thorns and Roses: The Unofficial Cookbook of A Court of Thorns and Roses. Chelsea shares the inspiration behind her ACOTAR-themed cookbook, which creatively brings meals from the beloved fantasy series into real-life kitchens. She discusses her background in food blogging and her goal of making recipes accessible for all skill levels, noting that the book is designed not just for cooking but for fans to deepen their connection with the series. The cookbook features sections inspired by the different courts and characters, including desserts tied to each court and cocktails based on the inner circle. Chelsea also recounts the challenges of recipe development, especially while postpartum, and highlights the joy and community that came from sharing her fandom through food. The episode closes with heartfelt reflections on the power of nostalgia and how food can enrich the experience of revisiting favorite fantasy stories."Did you guys know that there is an unofficial ACOTAR Cookbook that walks even the most novice cooks and bakers through the process of cooking and creating classic recipes from our most cherished  A Court of Thorns & Roses book series?! Yes, it's real! And it's amazing! Today we're interviewing food blogger and cookbook author Chelsea Cole all about her brand new book A Feast of Thorns and Roses.Chelsea says that the idea for AFOTAR was born after her love for reading was reignited by a series where "meals are more than simply sustenance; they are expressions of culture, emotion, and connection. This cookbook is [her] attempt to bring those moments to your table, to let you feel the warmth of a simple meal shared in the cozy confines of a dinner with the Inner Circle or taste the richness of the Winter Solstice feast." And boy did we feel that when cooking her recipes! Check out Chelsea!Website: https://aducksoven.com/about/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chel.seacole?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKM____Ashley is Wearing: an ACOTAR “To The Stars That Listen” from @thebeanworkshop | Use code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save!  | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/to-the-stars-who-listen-and-the-dreams-are-answered-tee-shirt?_pos=9&_sid=823f6afe6&_ss=rLiz is wearing: “Climb the Mountain” ACOSF Inspired Tee by @shop_secondbreakfast | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/2cpsa/Any link with an * isYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday is the epic conclusion of our Fifty Shades of Grey miniseries fondly titled "Fifty Shades of May" series, and boyyy are we excited. Come on this first time journey with us as we do the ultimate book and movie ranking / showdown of the entire trilogy! We give our overall star and spice ratings of the Fifty Shades of Grey book trilogy by E. L. James, the movie trilogy, and even include our thoughts on the Fifty Shades parody book: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey. What did we love? (Veiny arms and grey sweatpants.

Send us a text"In this episode of the Besties and the Books podcast, Liz and Ashley excitedly kick off their first nonfiction memoir feature by diving into Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus of Blink-182. Longtime fans of the band and deeply connected to the early 2000s pop-punk scene, they reflect on how the book transported them back to their youth, sharing nostalgic stories, personal connections, and even a shared ex-boyfriend who dedicated the same Blink-182 song to both of them. They praise the memoir's conversational, chronological format, Mark's engaging narration in the audiobook, and the emotional resonance of the band's journey—especially their performance of “One More Time.” Both hosts award rate the book highly and recommend it to fans of Blink-182, memoir lovers, or anyone who grew up during the TRL-era of pop culture. With lots of laughs, punk rock vibes, and heartfelt moments, this episode sets the tone for their new nonfiction series."Hey Besties! We DO actually read non fiction and we're here to cover our very first memoir with none other than Mark Hoppus's brand new book Fahrenheit-182! And O-M-G, did it deliver. If you've been following us for any amount of time then you know we grew up (and continue to be) pop punk girlies obsessed with that late 90's / early 2000's vibe. We're here for the nostalgia and Fahrenheit-182 chronicled every best part of our experience growing up in that SoCal skate scene a la desert tumbleweeds… only an hour away from where Mark grew up! Talk about relatable. We discuss whether Mark had enough to say to write an entire book about his life, if it made us like him more (or less?), if it felt genuine, and how it helped us reflect on our own time on this earth. Did we learn new Blink lore? Was it written well? Do we wish he told us more? We had a blast with this one and we hope you join us on the rollercoaster back in time to when concert tickets were thirty bucks and middle school boyfriends dedicated Blink songs to us. And of course we bring you a Blink fave and fail and smash or pass… because we know you'd ask anyway.

Send us a textIn this third episode of the Besties in the Books mini-series Fifty Shades of May, hosts Ashley and Liz dive deep into Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James, the final installment of the original Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. They explore how the controversial dark romance series influenced pop culture, the rise of dark romance in mainstream fiction, and why Freedmight not mean what you think it does. The episode teases what's next in the series, including a parody read of Fifty Shades of Earl Grey by Andrew Shaffer and a full wrap-up comparing the books to the films. Join the Besties for unfiltered reactions, spicy cover art commentary, and plenty of laughs—plus behind-the-scenes chaos from their Fable book club chats. Perfect for fans of romance, satire, and pop culture deep-dives.It's Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome back to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. We're officially concluding the original trilogy with book three, Fifty Shades Freed. Freed from what exactly, you might ask? And to that, we say… we have no idea.Start from the beginning??WATCH OUR 50 SHADES OF GREY PLAYLIST HERE | https://youtu.be/vykksEF9PJw?si=phSGimqOBOXXgfJaWe think that whether you find these books problematic or not, credit must be given where credit is due. The fact that these books have been stigmatized, criticized, and repeatedly knocked down is indicative (we think) of a larger societal problem: misogyny. Because as a society, it seems we just can't stand it when women are successful… or when they enjoy something. Whether it's objectively “good” or “profitable” or not. And don't miss next week's final mini episode in this series where we give our final thoughts, cover the parody book Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Fanny Merkin, and discuss the movies! We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “The Suriel” Tee from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/4h2v5imLiz is wearing “Obey Me” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/praise-me-tee?_pos=2&_sid=81592a902&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWhat iconic things from millennial “yesteryear” do you miss? We kick off this super nostalgic episode with an ode to simpler times. Let's take a moment of collective silence for: the mall (in general), Borders Books (and more!), cheap concert tickets (like $50!??), and makeup when it was creative (what a time to be alive!). Our faves and fails of the week are all about those things that we miss as we amp up to share our favorite reads from the early to mid 2000's.Ashley and Liz present their top five college-age reads that influenced them during this pivotal time, and helped shape them into the readers (and people!) they are today. We bring memoirs, sci-fi reads, some horror and even some feminist theory to the table, put all ten titles in our trusty BATB Beanie and pick one to reread with all of you! Which one will it be?! We can't wait to share it with you! And, don't worry! We've got a great smash or pass taking us back to the college days with a smorgasbord of silver foxes, and a man who exploded porta potties for a legit living. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMLooking for your next murder mystery Romantasy? Preview This Monster of Mine with our interview with debut author Shalini Abeysekara! | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=n6z3RXxSutNXN2oa____Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: Fourth Wing Dragon T Shirt “Fly or D!e” from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.comLiz is wearing:  (Vanna White style) our exclusive Bestie and the Books Beanie! DM us to be added to preorder list! | https://www.instagram.com/bestiesandthebookspodcast?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textGuess What? It's officially grey! We are in it. Oh my! It's Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome back to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. We're officially into book two and things are not exactly going as planned…If you've been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to their origin so we can discuss what societal conditions helped to produce this canon of works mostly written by women, for women, with women's stories, pleasure, and lived experiences at the center. We examine what influence romance books have had on literature and the publishing world as a whole, and then specifically discuss what impact Fifty Shades had on the genre! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley and Liz have never read it before. So this is all new information to us.We think that whether you find these books problematic or not, credit must be given where credit is due. The fact that these books have been stigmatized, criticized, and repeatedly knocked down is indicative (we think) of a larger societal problem: misogyny. Because as a society, it seems we just can't stand it when women are successful… or when they enjoy something. Whether it's objectively “good” or “profitable” or not. Episode 2 covers book 2: Fifty Shades Darker by E. L. James. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star and spice ratings. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (with a special classical surprise!), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, red flags, problematic elements, and end with a fun piece of Fifty Shades trivia.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! | https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMLooking for your next murder mystery Romantasy? Preview This Monster of Mine with our interview with debut author Shalini Abeysekara! | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=n6z3RXxSutNXN2oShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES1Liz is wearing “Praise Me” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/praise-me-tee?_pos=2&_sid=81592a902&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWelcome to our newest series reading “UnPopular Books by Popular Authors”! Today we're kicking it off with Sarah J Maas and Catwoman: Soulstealer! ***A huge thank you to The Bookish Queen for Sponsoring this episode!*****Check out the ultimate bookish shop and use discount code “BESTIEBOOKS15” to save 15% on your order @ https://bookishqueen.com/discount/BESTIEBOOKS15 Follow and get Inspo from them on Instagram @bookishqueenshop**Have you already read this somewhat “secret” book by Sarah J. Maas and just want to hear more? Or will you now be picking up this book to read it yourself after hearing our reviews?We can't believe booktok and bookstagram forgot to mention this semi secret book by SJM! In this episode we give you our spoiler free reviews and explain why we think this DC Comics collab was a bit of a flop.First we'll set the scene, explaining what type of book Catwoman is, what type of series it's a part of, how the book is rated on Goodreads, and how it stacks up in comparison to SJM's other notoriously successful works. Then we'll get into the deep dive, our 5 sentence book summary, our personal thoughts, some outside reviews, and ultimately if it's worth reading, and if we'll continue the series. You might be surprised at what we found.

Send us a textGuess What? It's gonna be grey…It is grey! It's Fifty shades of May over here on the Besties and the Books podcast. Welcome to our spring mini episode series all about the extremely popular yet widely discredited book series: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. If you've been following along and watched our “Dark Romance Enters the Chat” episode then you know, we trace romance novels wayyy back to their origin so we can discuss what societal conditions helped to produce this canon of works mostly written by women, for women, with women's stories, pleasure, and lived experiences at the center. We examine what influence romance books have had on literature and the publishing world as a whole, and then specifically discuss what impact Fifty Shades had on the genre! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley and Liz have never read it before. So this is all new information to us.We think that whether you find these books problematic or not, credit must be given where credit is due. The fact that these books have been stigmatized, criticized, and repeatedly knocked down is indicative (we think) of a larger societal problem: misogyny. Because as a society, it seems we just can't stand it when women are successful… or when they enjoy something. Whether it's objectively “good” or “profitable” or not. Episode 1 covers book 1: Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star and spice ratings. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (with a special classical surprise!), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, red flags, problematic elements, and end with a fun piece of Fifty Shades trivia.Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/club/50-shades-of-grey-pod-read-with-bestiesandthebookclub-487898954653Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMLooking for your next murder mystery Romantasy? Preview This Monster of Mine with our interview with debut author Shalini Abeysekara! | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=n6z3RXxSutNXN2oShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “I'm a Book Dragon” Clash of Tides tee from the Author Alivia Maar @livesbookshelf (Gifted in PR.)Liz is wearing “Good Girls Read Smut” Crew by *Shop Closed* and “Praise Me” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/praise-me-tee?_pos=2&_sid=a2aa935cf&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday Ashley and Liz are setting the stage for our mini episode series about the infamous 50 Shades of Grey trilogy which starts this Friday and continues on for five episodes, including the original three books, a surprise bonus book, and a wrap up episode covering the movies and all of our final thoughts! But today, buckle up for a spoiler free episode all about… ROMANCE NOVELS! The genre that changed the game for publishers… for readers… for writers… and for women. We've never read this series and want to examine it through a certain lens - what exactly did this series do for the genre as a whole? And who paved the way to make Fifty Shades of Grey a mainstream romance sensation? We take you wayyyyy back to the “first” romance novel, explore the OG pioneers of the genre, explain what defines a book as “romance” in the first place, and delve into how the content and themes have changed over time, influencing literature of ALL genres. We discuss the different evolutions and iterations of these books primarily written by women, for women, and how despite the success, popularity, and numbers to back it up… the romance genre is repeatedly labeled as “less than literature” or reduced to “chick lit.” We want to (NEED TO) talk about why.And don't worry, even though it's a little heavy, we still have a faves and fails and smash or pass, romance edition! Check out this author interview! | Callie Hart NYT Bestseller Author of Quicksilver! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: ACOTAR Valkyrie Tee from @thebeanworkshop | Use code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save!  | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/to-the-stars-who-listen-and-the-dreams-are-answered-tee-shirt?_pos=9&_sid=823f6afe6&_ss=rLiz is wearing: “If You Want to Save Animals, Stop Eating Them” Baby Tee from @dont.eat.the.homies | https://donteatthehomies.com/products/save-animals-teeAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!_____Articles / Resources:Writing 101: What Is a Romance Novel? Masterclass.comThese Authors are Putting the Dark in Dark Romance wusf.org for NPR A Brief History of the Romance Novel by Amanda Pagan nypl.org Evolution of the Romance Novel by Cristin Harber cristinharber.comPamela and the Early Origins of the Romance Novel smu.eduThe Dark Romance of Ann Radcliffe by V.H. Leslie fiction thisishorror.co.ukHow Jane Austen's Resolve Sculpted Literary History by Evan Swensen medium.comGothic Novel Masterpieces: Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights by Yehuda M.S. medium.comThe History of the Wonderful Romantasy Genre by Danielle Tomlinson bookstr.comThe Evolution of Dark Romance: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textLiz and Ashley are locked and loaded and ready to talk about everything This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara. Today's episode is the spoiler-y follow up to our spoiler FREE author interview that dropped last month for Shalini's big romantasy debut! Watch our Author Interview with Shalini Abeysekara here | https://youtu.be/dMoOSLW1vTE?si=5iTgTD7AOw5robs5We discuss the reasons this book is so unique, and unlike any other romantasy we've read… because it's a full-blown murder mystery with an Ancient Rome inspired setting! We also give you a mini summary of the book, our official star and spice ratings, drop some favorite quotes, and discuss our favorite and least favorite plot points and characters. And, don't worry! We've got a Disney / classic children's movie fave and fail and a smash or pass ranking of Prince Charmings and other more furry creatures.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out This Monster of Mine, available now on Kindle and Amazon! | https://amzn.to/4jHpNZYWant MORE author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: A Hoodie From @TheLastBookstoreLiz is wearing: Fourth Wing “Conscription Day” sweatshirt from @thebeanworkshop | Use code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save!  | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/to-the-stars-who-listen-and-the-dreams-are-answered-tee-shirt?_pos=9&_sid=823f6afe6&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday's episode is exactly how it sounds. We read off 1⭐️ reviews of our favorite books, try to get the other person (and you guys!) to guess what it is, then reveal it with its official star rating on Goodreads. We have everything from SJM and The Empyrean to lesser known books involving vampires, shadow daddies, and robots. Dark romance, fantasy, romantasy, and a little bit of magical realism make this episode a well rounded one. Do you agree or disagree with the assessment? Sometimes what we love about a book makes it a 1 ⭐ read for sobeibe else. It's all in good fun! That's what makes reading so amazing. We've also got a faves and fails of the week involving a popular author book signing, and the crispiest Diet Coke of Liz's life, mixed in with Chipotle gone wrong and a mean case of the Sunday scaries. And a smash or pass involving two hot… aliens? Strangely enough. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: Throne of Glass “To Whatever End” Tee from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10 Liz is wearing: An Exclusive Besties and the Books Beanie (coming soon!) And a “Read or Die” Hoodie from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/search?q=Read+or+dieAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday we have a very special spoiler free* interview with romantasy writer and Library Journal's science fiction / fantasy debut author of the month for February, Shalini Abeysekara! We chat all things This Monster of Mine to celebrate the release of her very first published book!(*Author interviews will always be spoiler free so everyone can enjoy them and determine whether or not to add these books to our never-ending TBR. So, proceed with absolutely NO caution!*)Pick up your paperback copy or kindle download of This Monster of Mine now @ Amazon! | * https://amzn.to/3EboNhLFollow Shalini on Instagram  ⁨@shalini.writes⁩ | https://www.instagram.com/shalini.writes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==We discuss everything from what inspired Shalini to write a completely unique romantasy story inspired by Ancient Rome, how her background as a corporate lawyer informed her themes about justice and violence, which characters she most and least identifies with, and what it's like to write a murder mystery in a fantasy world. What are the themes and major takeaways of the book? Is there a sequel in the works? And what part did The Darkling (yes, that Darkling) play in all of this? And don't worry, Shalini spills all the behind the scenes intel on her faves and fails, This Monster of Mine edition, and participates in an on-the-spot smash or pass! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)____Other Authors & Books Mentioned:Save the Cat by @JessicaBrodySeven Faceless Saints by @Mk_LobbThis Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede @ektwrites——YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: A “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES1Liz is wearing: An Exclusive Besties and the Books Beanie (coming soon!) And a “Light it Up!” Crescent City Tee from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES1Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWelcome back for our sixth and final episode in Ashley & Liz's dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games! We have had the best (and most emotional

Send us a textWe're just girls. And today we're just girls obsessed with pranks. Stick around if you want to hear about our fave and fail prank edition… if you like hearing about AITA pranks gone wrong…if you're someone who observes April Fool's Day, or if you're someone who simply wants to call out A Holes for their participation in something that obviously WAS NOT FUNNY! (Or maybe it was?

Send us a textToday we're discussing the highly anticipated brand new book in the Hunger Games world: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. We go back in time (yet again!) to the 50th Quarter Quell, also known as Haymitch Abernathy's Hunger Games to answer all the questions we still have. How exactly did he become a victor and the gruff but lovable mentor we all grew to love in the original trilogy? What happened to Haymitch?!This book is full of so many amazing “easter eggs” and tie-ins to the original trilogy. It fills in SO many satisfying blanks while still leaving a little bit up to interpretation. We're ready to pick this book apart and make all of those connections with you as we celebrate this amazing book and get ready to close this Hunger Games chapter (for now). If you've been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we're fascinated with everything about this genre and need to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. The debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We'd encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… with themes like media control, a totalitarian regime, and rebellion, it's hard to see how it ISN'T political.Episode 5 covers book 5 (or 0.75?): Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (yes, with a keyboard…), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and discuss ALL the easter eggs. Then we wrap this up with some surprise questions and some excitement for next week's final Hunger Games episode because we give our wrap up thoughts, our overall reviews, discuss the movies, and announce our next miniseries starting soon! We can't wait to see you there!  Mentioned Source:“We Already Know How Sunrise on the Reaping Ends. That Doesn't Change Its Impact.”By: Lauren Puckett-Pope | https://www.elle.com/culture/books/a64233635/sunrise-on-the-reaping-hunger-games-prequel-ending-explained-review/Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “Undead Readers Book Club” Tee by @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing “Fire Breathing B*tch Queen” Baby Tee by @chaptercatchers | https://go.magik.ly/ml/2b21c/Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWe've responded to the internet's bookish hot takes… we responded to YOUR hot takes… and now it's finally time for you guys to be mad at US! Today's episode is all about Ashley and Liz's bookish hot takes. Maybe you'll agree, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll nod your head, maybe you'll scream at us. But either way, we're here with OPINIONS.We cover everything from overdone sprayed edges to unnecessary celebrity memoirs; from what's considered a book spoiler to hockey romance in general. Was Fourth Wing a one hit wonder? Does spice written by men that's actually good exist? What do we think about book subscription services running 6 months behind? Or romance books being assigned in school? Stick around to hear us spill all this tea, and more! And don't worry, we have a faves and fails current reads edition and a smash or pass involving the men of Star Wars and a tattooed demigod.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “Fireheart” Throne of Glass Tee by @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | https://thebeanworkshop.store/discount/BOOKBESTIES10?dt_id=1636083Liz is wearing: A Clash Tee she bought on our journey to @thelastbookstoreLA Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz's dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!Today we go back in time to discuss President Snow and his origin story. How exactly did he become a “villian” and what does his evolution into a tyrannical dictator say about the society that created him? How did Panem and the games themselves evolve into the world we know?This book is full of so many amazing “easter eggs” and tie-ins to the original trilogy. We're ready to pick those apart and make all of those connections with you as we gear up for our final book episode all about Sunrise on the Reaping. If you've been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we're fascinated with everything about this genre and need to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. The debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We'd encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… with themes like media control, a totalitarian regime, and rebellion, it's hard to see how it ISN'T political.Episode 4 covers book 4 (or 0.5?): A Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (yes, with a keyboard…), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and add a fun piece of prequel trivia. Then we wrap this up with a little smash or pass and some big excitement to read the new book with all of you! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “To Whatever End” Throne of Glass tshirt from @thebeanworkshop Use code BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10Liz is wearing Besties & the Books Exclusive Beanie & “Bookish” Necklace by @twiheartmerch | https://www.etsy.com/shop/TwiHeartMerch?ref=related&from_page=listing&listing_id=1787487095Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWE'RE ONE YEAR OLD! Today we're celebrating our one year anniversary of podcasting over at Besties and the Books and we just want to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here! You're helping us to create this amazing community, and we couldn't be more grateful to watch it grow.

Send us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz's dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!Today we get SERIOUS as we discuss the amazingly well written, heart wrenching grand finale to the original trilogy. What parallels do we see reflected in real life? Are the dystopian themes regarding media control, rebellion, war, government control, environmental degradation and resource allocation applicable to today's world? Come with us as we open these topics of discussion through a Katniss Everdeen lens.If you've been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we're fascinated with everything about this genre and need to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. The debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We'd encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… with themes like media control, a totalitarian regime, and rebellion, it's hard to see how it ISN'T political.Episode 3 covers book 3: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (yes, with a keyboard…), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and add a fun piece of Hunger Games trivia. Then we wrap this trilogy up with the ultimate Gale vs. Peeta debate. Were these characters meant to represent something much larger than themselves? We'll see… and then we'll dive right into A Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes… because obviously Snow was a smash.

Send us a textGet out that good ol' stack of post it notes and your favorite annotating pen (or just use the “notes” app in your phone) because your TBR is about to get even longer! If that's possible. Today Ashley and Liz are recapping ALL of their reads from the last ½ of 2024 to give you the good, the bad, and the ugly. The books that changed our lives, the books that were overhyped, underhyped, the rereads, the weird as hell, and maybe even some we wished we hadn't read at all.

Send us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz's dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!We spend ½ of this episode playing the piano (yes, you read that right) and the other ½ convincing you to read this series. If that doesn't do it for you… we don't know what else you could want! If you've been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we're fascinated with everything about this genre and needed to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. The debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We'd encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… with themes like media control, a totalitarian regime, and rebellion, it's hard to see how it ISN'T political.Episode 2 covers book 2: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, the necessary Gale vs. Peeta debate, and end with a fun piece of Hunger Games trivia. Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/club/hg-minisode-read-with-bestiesandthebookclub-161881401047Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast PlatformsShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “Lone Wolf” Hoodie from @KillCrew | * https://killcrew.co/products/lone-wolf-hoodie-black?_pos=39&_sid=a3dbe0c9b&_ss=rLiz is wearing “Dying to Read” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/dying-to-read-tee?_pos=2&_sid=392add170&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textToday we're chatting about Romantasy Bookcon, Los Angeles, 2025! This amazing convention put on by Fabled Fantasy Events was Liz and Ashley's first, but it surely will not be our last! We talk about our overall faves and fails of Bookcon (our faves being mostly the amazing community) and consequently, what our top five tips for attending your first book convention are plus 5 rookie mistakes to avoid. In short: get there early, map out a plan and get to know the layout, bring snacks and come prepared to trade treasures! We also want to emphasize how important and impactful the author panels were, by posing many of the questions to each other that we were lucky enough to see some of our favorite authors answering. Why do we appreciate a strong FMC? Who were the female characters in popular media who we looked up to? And what are the qualities in our favorite MMCs that make them special? Among several others. And don't worry, we have a rapid-fire Romantasy Bookcon smash or pass to wrap it all up.Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “Women of Maas World Tour” Tee from @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.comLiz is wearing: A Black Widow Tee from @junkfoodclothingco Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textWelcome to Ashley & Liz's dystopian sci fi episode bonus series: The Hunger Games!If you've been following along and watched our “From 1984 to Hunger Games” dystopian themes in media and literature episode then you know we're fascinated with everything about this genre and needed to delve into this discussion! It just happens to be a BIG bonus that Ashley had never read it before. Watch here | https://youtu.be/Ns4E87T36KQ?si=P0wXBSgyvRkNAABdThe debate currently on the book talk table is whether or not books (and the act of reading) are inherently political. We'd encourage anyone who has a doubt in their mind to read this series… it's timely, powerful, and a story that will rip your soul right out. The perfect cocktail for the reading obsessed. Episode 1 covers book 1: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences (with a special surprise of course!), discuss what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Hunger Games trivia.Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/club/hg-minisode-read-with-bestiesandthebookclub-161881401047Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Shop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://thebeanworkshop.store/discount/BOOKBESTIES10?dt_id=1636083Liz is wearing “Read or Die” Tee by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/read-or-die-tee-1?_pos=2&_sid=7c0c7af52&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllix

Send us a textThis week is. The. Week. We're officially back in mini episode bonus mode with The Hunger Games book 1, by Suzanne Collins dropping this Friday! So today Ashley and Liz are setting us all up for success in our dystopian sci fi series with an episode about the history of dystopias! Not surprisingly, there is a lot of ground to cover, so we do our best to take a whole lot of information and condense it down for you to put all of these stories we love so much into context.First, we go over the list of media terms and ideas you guys sent in when we asked what YOU think of when someone says dystopia, and why YOU think we're obsessed with them. Then we get into the history. Where did the idea of dystopias come from? When was the theme first featured in literature? When did the modern dystopian fiction era start? We discuss popular themes, real life events that inspired them, and how we got to where we are today. With many dystopian pieces of media marketed to everyone, including young adults, and how this has led to even more book bans.And lastly, we've got a faves and fails featuring popular dystopian media like World War Z, The Handmaid's Tale, and The Giver, and a smash or pass involving Hunger Games characters that you wouldn't expect.Sources:The Columbia Journalism Review - Dissecting Dystopia by Merrill Perlman Dystopian Fiction A Brief History by Yvonne Shiau on Electric Lit The British Library - The Fear of Dystopia by Mike Ashley Wikipedia Encyclopedia Brittanica.com American aristocracy.com NY TimesDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Fourth Wing Sweater from @TheBeanWorkshop (use our affiliate code “BOOKBESTIES10”)  | * https://www.thebeanworkshop.store/BOOKBESTIES10Liz is wearing “Feminine F*in' Rage” Crewneck from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rage-crewneck?_pos=1&_sid=ae210b6e7&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textA few episodes back we brought you an exclusive interview with the extraordinarily talented Callie Hart, author of the New York Times bestselling romantasy novel Quicksilver (linked below). It should come as no surprise that Liz and Ashley both loved this book, rating it a solid five stars! So today, we're breaking it down for you. What did we love about this book? Were there any things we disliked? We go over our favorite tropes, characters and plot points. And also chat all about the spice, the twisty turny plot, the audiobook that we were both impressed by, and whether or not we think Quicksilver was worth the hype. We also make sure to talk about unanswered questions and if we're looking forward to book 2. And of course we've got a faves and fails featuring a shout out to indie author Willow Prescott and and a smash or pass involving a big scary animated whale.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! Watch it here! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is Wearing: “Rebel Reader” Hoodie by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/rebel-reader-hoodie?_pos=1&_sid=44ba593a8&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textFirst there was a cringey Thanksgiving with a sack full of turkey. Then there was a cringey Christmas alien with a magic mirror, and a magic… you know what.  And now, we bring to you: a very cringey Valentine's Day featuring old timey detective vampires and a sweet stalker with Dexter-like tendencies.Today Ashley and Liz give our two cents on two holiday themed novellas we may not have picked up if it weren't for our love of this series: Valentine's Day With A Vampire by Tabitha Lovelace and Little Lies and Valentines by Lashell Rain.We'll give you our star and spice ratings, a basic overview of the plot, and then get into our likes and dislikes, reviews, and whether or not these books are “valentines-y” enough. And don't worry… we take you wayyy back to Millennial town with conversation hearts, SNL references, homemade valentine cards, Blink 182, 7th Heaven, and a smash or pass with a sexy deer and a grumpy dragon. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️We interviewed Callie Hart all about her NYT Bestseller Quicksilver! | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQ?si=8xtIRO1IzX6Rsld4Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk! | https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Bryce Quinlan” Hoodie by @lionheartthreads | Use Code: LIZ15 to save! | https://www.etsy.com/listing/1556566407/officially-licensed-bryce-quinlan?click_key=d0efd5d21207c5632de0eb38fa6a9e39941f1c9a%3A1556566407&click_sum=642d061b&ref=shop_home_active_73&frs=1&sts=1Liz is Wearing: “I Still Read Fairytales” Crewneck by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneck?_pos=2&_psq=fairyt&_ss=e&_v=1.0Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textWell, sh*t.

Send us a textToday is all about romance. We're gearing up for Valentine's Day over here at Besties & the Books Podcast and what exactly does that mean (you might be wondering)? Well, it means we're going to be diving back into the Reddit realms to bring you romance book and V-Day themed Am I the A Hole questions!Should you buy your ex-girlfriend red roses for Valentine's Day if you're in a new relationship? Are you the a-hole for expecting more than a personalized pen as a gift on this romantic holiday? What kind of boyfriend Venmo requests his girl for half of the V-Day dinner he asked her out to? What about locking up your romance books so your boyfriend doesn't throw them away? Or reading romance even though your man has a problem with it?We're not saying we're relationship experts. But Dear Abby, break up with all of them. Love, Liz & Ashley. Xoxo.Oh and we've got a faves and fails bookish edition where we discuss our grievances with the Onyx Storm preorder and the ACOTAR ten year anniversary set… like truly, what happened there!? And a smash or pass with a tiny man and a popular Disney villain. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these author interviews? ⬇️Quicksilver Interview with Author Callie Hart | https://youtu.be/CED5s7qDBdQCheck the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  | https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMIndie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Will Ghost You For Books” tee by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-will-ghost-you-for-books-tee?_pos=3&_sid=4f2eb7ebb&_ss=rLiz is Wearing: “Reading is Sexy” hoodie and “Anxious Girls Club” beanie by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/reading-is-sexy-hooded-sweatshirt?_pos=1&_sid=8e8a7e952&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textWe've been keeping a BIG secret from you… our book besties… and today is finally the day we get to reveal it! We interviewed Callie Hart!! *Insert happy screaming here.* We are SO excited to share this SPOILER FREE author interview with you, so stick around if you're interested in listening to us chat with the one and only Callie Hart, author of the New York Times bestselling romantasy book: Quicksilver!This amazing book is officially available on Paperback and Kindle now, with hardback copies dropping in August! Quicksilver is book one in the Fae and Alchemy trilogy with book 2 slated to come out on November 18th of this year. Oh and did we mention Netflix is making a movie or TV series adaptation of this book?! Callie is an Amazon, USA Today, and New York Times bestselling author, and Quicksilver is also currently a Goodreads Choice and best of Booktok pick. Callie has historically written many dark romance books in the academia, motorcycle club, and mafia realms but we're so glad she decided to dive into fantasy! We get the behind the scenes 411 into Callie's writing process, the history and creation of Kingfisher, what's on the horizon with Netflix and future books, and why it's so important to never give up. We also share a fave and fail Quicksilver edition, and find out which characters Callie herself would smash or pass! Check out Callie's Newest Book Quicksilver:Preorder the Hardcover here | * https://amzn.to/42BwuHEPreorder Quicksilver 2 here | * https://amzn.to/4gn0I4MCallie's Other Published Books | https://calliehart.comDon't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Want MORE author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMWatch our Author Interview with Indie Dark Romance Author Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Read Books Stay Weird” Tee by @shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is Wearing: “Good Girl” Pullover by @readbyerin_ |  https://shopreadbyerin.com/collections/sweatshirt-collectionAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textToday is the day we all do our best to take it…seriously. All the girthy 784 pages of this big boy must be discussed. And as the longest of the bunch (according to some) all we can do is grab onto that headboard and just like Nesta, “climb [that] mountain.”But seriously… today is the day Ashley and Liz  go over the final (for now) book in the ACOTAR series: A Court of Silver Flames by Miss Sarah J. Maas. We discuss why this book is so polarizing, how we feel about the mental health representation, our favorite parts, quotes, characters, and maybe what we didn't love so much about it. And we also give spoiler free star and spice ratings for those of you who maybe are on the fence about this one, or just haven't gotten here yet! And don't worry, we've also got a special dad-themed fave of the week and a fail involving Whole 30 and technology… what a surprise! And lastly, a smash or pass with a scary robot and in Liz's opinion… the WORST Spiderman. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Watch our Author Interview with Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Want MORE author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMBesties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Illyrian Boot Camp” tank top by @lionheartthreads | Use Code: LIZ15 to save! | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/29c5x/Liz is Wearing: “Manon & the 13” Hoodie | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! | https://thebeanworkshop.store/products/manon-thirteen-t-shirt?_pos=3&_sid=e7b3831eb&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textLiz and Ashley are back from their holiday hibernation, ready to talk about everything Broken Bounty Series by Ember Nicole. Today's episode is the spoiler-y follow up to our spoiler FREE author interview that dropped in December. We discuss the major differences between the first two books and book three, Live For Me, the newest release in this dark romance rollercoaster of a series. We talk about what makes this storyline so unique, why it ripped our hearts and souls out, and the expert character development we just cannot get enough of. We also give mini summaries of each book, drop some favorite quotes, and discuss our favorite and least favorite plot points and characters. And, as per usual, we've got a holiday faves and fails edition to catch y'all up on what we've been doing, with a special section to shout out spicy Christmas novellas! And a smash or pass animated dad / Skarsgard monster edition. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Other Books Mentioned:A Very Stalker Christmas by @laylafaeauthorA Perfect Gift by @clioevansauthorDance, Sugarplum: A Dark Nutcracker Christmas Extravaganza by @aureliaknightauthor and @amyoliveira.authorWhiteout by @graciewilliamsauthorWatch our Author Interview with Ember Nicole here | https://youtu.be/tHV9rXSTBpY?si=OwxdMVfPmtFkcYu6Check out Ember Nicole's Broken Bounty Series, available now on Kindle and Amazon! | * https://amzn.to/3ZVrLPjWant MORE author interviews? ⬇️Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is Wearing: “Good Girls Love Smut” Crewneck, Discontinued.Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textMerry Christmas Book Besties! Today Liz and Ashley are here to discuss all things even remotely related to this glorious holiday… and we do it in special light up Christmas Tree hats. You're welcome. First, we'll ask each other a series of Christmas related questions like what our best and worst gifts have been, our family traditions, favorite music, and what we like to eat and watch. Next, we bring the DRAMA with AITA Reddit threads dedicated to Christmas family issues with things like a new family member initiation with lots of coal, a husband who sleeps through everything… including Christmas? And a family who puts all their undies in a bowl.Last, we rapid fire a list of “smash or passes” related to Christmas. Like who's the hottest Santa? Are you into… Christmas cookies? Matching PJs? Christmas lights? Oh and… do you keep butter in the cupboard?

Send us a textToday we have a very special interview* with dark romance indie author and the queen of heartbreaking cliffhangers herself, Ember Nicole. We chat all things Broken Bounty series to celebrate the release of Live For Me, book three in this emotional rollercoaster which is the bounty hunter romance she created.*Author interviews will always be spoiler free so everyone can enjoy them and determine whether or not we want to add these books to our never-ending TBR. So, proceed with absolutely NO caution!*Pick up your paperback copy or kindle download of Live For Me (And the rest of the Broken Bounty Series) now @ Amazon! | * https://amzn.to/3ZVrLPjWe discuss everything from what inspired Ember to write a completely unique dark romance series about bounty hunters, how she remains completely anonymous even though she's constantly in the public eye, which of the MMCs Ember herself would choose, and what's it like to write a book that takes you to your emotional brink. What are the themes and major takeaways of the book? How do books 1 and 2 differ from book 3? And are there more sequels to come? And because Ember gets us, we also include a fave or fail book writing edition, and put her on the spot for her own character smash or pass.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes Friday!…)_____Ember Nicole's Books:Break For MeSurvie For MeLive For MeMy Brother's ProblemMy Sister's Solution* https://amzn.to/3ZTN1FkCheck Out the Other Authors Mentioned:Elle Mitchell @ellemitchellbooks (Small Town “sadness”)Rose Cedar @rosecedarwrites (College Hockey)Emily Catlow @catlow_books (Motorcycle Romance)____YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is Wearing: “Undead Readers Book Club tee from @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing: “I like My Fictional Men Tall, Dark, and Stabby” Crew Neck Pullover by @readbyerin_Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textWe're nearing the end of 2024. So naturally, Liz and Ashley are reflecting on the important things in life. Our goals, our hopes, our dreams… and of course, the most important thing of 2024: WICKED, Part 1 (and Jonathan Bailey).Let's chat about Wicked in all of its glory! The movie, the play, and the books… and how they tie into our goals for the podcast in 2025! We discuss if bookish goals are useful and positive. Then move on to our individual and joint goals moving forward, including everything from books read, to reviews, to works in progress, book conventions and events, and upcoming mini series and author interviews. We've only been doing this for a little over nine months and it's already a dream. 2025 is going to be such a fun year, besties! And don't worry, we have a bookish 2024 themed fave and fail and a WICKED smash or pass. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check out these Indie Authors Mentioned:A Clash of Tides by Alivia R Maar @livsbookshelfPriestess by Kara Reynolds @karaneedstoreadBeyond the Fallen Realm by T J Lundin @tjlundinbooksSeeking the Fallen Realm by T J Lundin @tjlundinbooksThe Deer and the Dragon by Piper CJ @piper_cjA Touch of Gold and Madness by K L Devore @authrokldevoreThe Embrace of Steel and Sorrow by K L Devore @authrokldevoreYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is  wearing: Green “Women of Maas” Tee by @caffeineandcurses | https://caffeineandcurses.com/products/maasverse-throne-of-glass-merchLiz is wearing: “I Still Read Fairytales. Just For the Villians Now” Pullover by @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-still-read-fairytales-just-for-the-villains-now-crewneck?_pos=2&_sid=5621c721a&_ss=rAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textIt's officially Christmas season over here on the BATB Pod and Ashley and Liz are kicking off December with two “cringy” Christmas novellas that double as unhinged! This go-around we dive into Mr. Jingle, a Christmas-themed paranormal monster romance by Layla Fae that (not unlike Full Sack) has unforeseen twists, turns, tentacles, and surprises around every corner! Then we dive into a dark romance Christmas treasure, Hunted in Holly by Leann Belle. Think: primal play and dubious consent with hot Santa Claus and a badass FMC with Elsa powers. In addition to these amazing holiday reads, we also have a fave and fail of the week featuring Christmas decorating, Lindsay Straube's Split or Swallow being picked up by trad publishing as Kiss of the Basilisk, and a shout out to the Lights Out audiobook version. Oh, and a holiday smash or pass with an extra dose of hot Santa. Ho ho ho! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is  wearing:  “Starborn Fae Crescent City” Hoodie by @lionheartthreads | * https://go.magik.ly/ml/27ucw/  | Use Code: LIZ15 to save! Liz is wearing: “Happy Horror Days” Pullover by @darkanddisturbedshop  | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com/products/horror-days-crewneck | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! 

Send us a textHappy Thanksgiving Book Besties! Today Liz and Ashley are here to discuss all things even remotely related to Turkey Day, in all its glory… and we do it in special hats. You're welcome. First, we'll ask each other a series of Thanksgiving related questions like what our favorite memory is, our Thanksgiving family traditions, and what we like to eat and watch. Next, we bring the DRAMA with AITA Reddit threads dedicated to Thanksgiving family issues with things like  ex-girlfriends stealing your seat at the table, kicking all the unhelpful men out, and not wanting to eat your mother in law's food. Last, we rapid fire a list of “smash or passes” related to Thanksgiving. Do YOU like stuffing? What about Patrick Dempsey as a villain? And… what… are… giblets?!

Send us a textIt's truly the end of an era. Our Twilight virgin era. We read all the books for the very first time, and rewatched all the movies since our original jump scare years ago, and now we're here. We're Ashley and Liz, new Twilight fans and just girls, ready to talk to you all about our innermost thoughts in regards to this fandom. We rate the book series as a whole, and then we choose which movie was our most loved and most hated, and which book we liked least and most. We go through each movie and book and choose which is better. And then we discuss the fandom in its entirety. Did you all welcome us with open arms? Or were we shunned for our critiques? Overall, we are so happy we went on this journey and cannot wait for our next episode miniseries dropping early next year! Listen on to find out which popular book series (and new release!) we have our sights set on for 2025! Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: Ashley is wearing “Will Ghost You For Books” tee from @shadowboundspines | https://shadowboundspines.com/products/i-will-ghost-you-for-books-tee?_pos=14&_sid=9e47e4d40&_ss=rLiz is wearing: “Empty Inside” tee from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.com and “Freddy” Double Pom Beanie from @charlieandlunaco | https://www.charlieandlunaco.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textEvery Friday is “Bestie Card Friday” with Ashley and Liz over on the good old Instagram. We pick some cards, we answer an unhinged “would you rather” question, and you guys vote on what YOU would rather do. We've been doing that for almost eight months! And you guys wanted more.So here we are, playing “would you rather” for an entire episode. Would we rather live in Velaris or Terrasen? Would we rather only read hockey romance or watch Harry Potter movies forever? Choose between Aragorn and Rhysand, physical books or Kindle? The choices! Stick around for a spoiler free episode of hard choices with a Disney themed fave and fail and a smash or pass… if you were a lion! … or a dark lord! Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! Now a Barnes & Noble & Amazon best seller titled: Kiss of the Basilisk!  https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is  wearing:  “Support Your Local Book Dealer” tee from @ShopWildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.comLiz is wearing: “Rivendell” Sweatshirt from @chaptercatchers | https://go.magik.ly/ml/27abl/Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textHere we are! Ashley and Liz discuss the epic book conclusion of the Twilight Saga. We seriously need to sort some things out with y'all. Like: why is imprinting a thing? It's so disturbing. How is there a team Edward vs. team Jacob rivalry when CLEARLY Jacob is trash? And how do we feel about all of that buildup leading us to THAT particular ending? We've got unanswered questions.Episode 4 covers book 4: Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Twilight Saga trivia featuring all the book spinoffs! We hope you've enjoyed following along with us on our maiden Twilight voyage! Check in next week for mini episode five where we rate the series overall, and chat about the movies. Because let's be real… what in the actual heck happened there?! Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: Crescent City Zip Up Hoodie from @CaffeineandCurses | https://caffeineandcurses.comLiz is wearing: “And So the Lion…” Twilight Crop Tee from @twiheartmerch | https://go.magik.ly/ml/2750r/ Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textHave you ever wondered what smutty Thanksgiving themed novella books are out there on Kindle Unlimited? Are you wondering what holiday themed kinkz this very specific genre may unlock for you? Well, wonder no more. Ashley and Liz did the research for you and now we're presenting the evidence. It's just science. We read Full Sack by Layla Fae and Three Times the Fun by Blythe Reid. We've got a little bit of Thanksgiving magic involving a turkey, a MMC named Racoon, and expanding… sacks. And a holiday reverse harem.Were they cringy or actually pretty good? We'll dish out the details after a fave and fail involving a sprained jaw and Will Ferrell and before a smash or pass involving our favorite pastry mascot and a villain determined to destroy the environment. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Check the official Author Interview with Lindsay Straube of Split or Swallow! https://youtu.be/fknhocSNIKMYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing:  Embroidered Pumpkin Book Sweater from @BookBabeDesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing: “Kejari” tee from @shopsecondbreakfast | https://secondbreakfast.shopAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textToday Ashley and Liz are discussing the problematic and rage-inducing “love triangle?!” that is the bulk of the content in Eclipse. Find out why we think imprinting and kissing women against their will is wrong to do! And why we think Jacob and Charlie can go kick rocks.Episode 3 covers book 3: Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Twilight Saga trivia.We hope you're enjoying our first time reading Twilight and will follow along with us for the rest of the series! We've got the epic book conclusion AND a movie episode coming soon… Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “No Rest for the Bookish” Sweater by @shopwildeshadows | https://www.wildeshadows.com/products/no-rest-for-the-bookish-crewneckLiz is wearing: “Read or Die” Zip Hoodie by @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! | https://darkanddisturbedshop.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textAshley and Liz just got back from the When We Were Young fest and boy do we have some good faves and fails of the week, including Gerard Way's sexy hair swoop heard ‘round the world. After we hash THAT out for all of our collective enjoyment, we get into our hot takes. We've got some from Reddit, we've got some from Threads… and we need to know. Do you agree or disagree? Should you count a book as “read” toward your goal if you DNFed it? Can something be overrated? Or is it just good? Do books need more than good twists to make them good? Was Fourth Wing actually BAD? We've got these and so many more. And don't worry, we've got a smash or pass with a dragon with no teeth and a man with no head. Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing:  WWWY 2024 Souvenir TeeLiz is wearing: “Rise Above the BS” tee from Spirit HalloweenAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textWelcome back to Ashley & Liz's vibey, angsty, fall-girl mini episode bonus series all about our FIRST TIME reading Twilight.Episode 2 covers book 2: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Twilight Saga trivia.Will Bella survive this trying time with Jacob's help? Riding motorcycles, cliff diving, and collapsing in the woods… oh my! It truly is a excellently dramatic time and we can't wait to discuss! Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley & Liz are both wearing Book Dragon tees gifted to us by the lovely author Alivia Maar @livsbookshelf | Check out her new fantasy book A Clash of Tides!A CLASH OF TIDES (THE DOLAH CHRONICLES) | * https://amzn.to/4hvCirl Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textHappy Halloween Book Besties! Today's episode is all about one of our favorite holidays, and everything Liz and Ashley love about the spooky fall season! We decided to put together the perfect taster episode of all your favorite treats, but made it Halloween themed… and we did it in silly wigs. Just because we can! We answer a series of spooky questions like what our fave scary book, movie, Halloween treat, and costumes have been over the years so we can all get to know each other better. Then we do a fun series of reacting to Am I the A Hole Halloween themed Reddit threads, and end on an extended spooky rapid fire smash or pass session. We hope you enjoy it, and have a Haaaaappyyy Halloweeeeeen!

Send us a textWelcome to Ashley & Liz's spooky mini episode bonus series: Twilight! If you've been following along and watched our “Why Vampires” episode then you know we're fascinated with the lore and needed to be a part of this fandom! Just for the inside jokes alone…As late high school and early college age gals, we missed the boat in exchange for studying, partying, and working, so we're reading these FOR THE FIRST TIME as mid 30's fantasy obsessed book podcasters. And we're takin' you all along for the ride! Episode 1 covers book 1: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. The first five-ish minutes are spoiler free with our one sentence rapid star reviews. Then we jam pack this mini episode with an entire plot summary in five sentences, what our faves and fail characters and plot points are, our feelings, notable quotes, and end with a fun piece of Twilight Saga trivia.Join our Virtual Book Club & Buddy Read on Fable! | https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday… and sometimes Friday! YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing: “Undead Readers Book Club” tee from @bookbabedesigns | https://bookbabedesigns.comLiz is wearing: Scream Tee from Spirit Halloween Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textToday on the Besties & the Books Podcast Ashley and Liz discuss some of our favorite monsters: Vampires, and attempt to understand why these undead, blood sucking creatures have dominated spooky lore, art, and literature throughout the ages… as a way to set the scene for our TWILIGHT Mini Episode Series launching THIS FRIDAY! Where did the idea of vampires come from? Depending on the geographical location and culture, it varies. Could it be as simple as a way for humans to rationalize horrible things like plague and the unfortunately somewhat frequent occurrence of being buried alive?Or maybe vampires symbolize the manifestation of denied desires, or women refusing to conform. Did the idea of the modern vampire originate with Bram Stoker's Dracula? Or is there more to the story dating back hundreds more years to Lilith? We answer these questions and also discuss the presence of vampire lore in our own lives. And of course, we've got a vampire themed fave and fail of the week, and a spooky smash or pass. Edward.. here… we… come!Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing:  “The Right Way Isn't The Only Way” Sweater from @thebeanworkshop | Use Code: BOOKBESTIES10 to save! Liz is wearing: “Always Lilith, Never Eve” Crop Hoodie from @darkanddisturbedshop | Use Code: VEGAN10 to save! Any link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!

Send us a textToday on the pod, Ashley and Liz discuss A Court of Frost and Starlight, book four in the ACOTAR series by Sarah J. Maas, and a “sweet little Christmas special” of a novella to some. Is this book skipable? Is it full of Easter eggs and setup for book 5? Our differing opinions may surprise you! In our new deep dive episode style we react to our least and most favorite parts, tropes, and characters. Share unpopular and popular reviews and quotes, and include our fan favorite: plot in 5 sentences or less, with Ashley on the triangle for authentic sound effects and just plain old comedic timing. This week we've got a faves and fails about Halloween, sickness, and the bane of Liz's existence, the landline. And a smash or pass with morally grey men and a morally squeaky clean dog.Don't be shy, subscribe! New Podcasts every Tuesday!! (And sometimes, Friday!)Watch our full ACOTAR playlist! https://youtu.be/nyMG3JtoZyY?si=CSZT_YGUe3_Tfv3CCheck out the super in depth summary from @CariCanRead | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzMWdHIIVGsYouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Podcast Platforms@BestiesandtheBooksPodcast Besties and the Book Club on Fable!https://fable.co/bestiesandthebookclub-474863489358Liz Instagram | TikTok@TheRealLifeVeganWife AshleyInstagram | TikTok@AshleyEllixShop bookish apparel worn in this episode!Ashley is wearing:  “The Suriel Tee” from Amazon | * https://amzn.to/4h2v5imLiz is wearing: “ACOTAR Family” Crewneck by @stellacandleco | https://stellacandleco.comAny link with an * is an affiliate link through the service Magic Links and is eligible for a commission to us with no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping support our podcast!